Abhilash Verma
Vice President-Product Management, Citrix
How do you approach problems in the Product Space?
How do you stay abreast of the competition?
In my journey as a Product Manager, I don’t make my product directions looking at what competitors are doing. Rather it is wise to stay two-steps ahead of competition so that, they follow you. If you are the one following the trail, you will end up in a to-and-fro battle where you will be mostly standing on the losing proposition. The real key to stand out is by understanding the market, customers and shifts in technology which will increase your success meter.
Any advice to newbies in Product Management?
What is your opinion on Institute of Product Leadership (IPL)?
IPL has created a norm in the industry where it focuses on building Product Leaders and not Managers. The institute is called as Institute of Product Leadership (IPL) and not Institute of Product Management which makes it stand out from the rest of the B-Schools. While every other B-School is focused in building Business Associates, Managers and Professionals, IPL concentrates on building Leaders in the industry. I personally look at IPL as an institute that brings value to the society and to the Business domain.